Hello, everyone! I’m delving into the planning and will be ready to post the final segment of Chapter 11 this week. I’ve been waylaid by divorce and depression, but the autumn sun is bright and golden, and I’m ready to saddle back up. Stay tuned.

A car accident, quarter-life crisis, and severed tendon later–and we’re back in action. My apologies for the delay.

January 31 — 1027 YD
Offenure, Lenyol

‘You have been summoned to answer for your crimes.’__Régan folded her hands before her. ‘I hear no complaint from the victim?’__Matac’s face twitched. ‘That is disgusting.’__‘He may yet live for all we know.’

A subtle knock came to Vilsonius’ chamber door. Setting aside the worn scrolls at his desk, he walked heavily to the door.__‘Your Majesty.’__‘Have I not woken you?’ Lady Galluel saw his desk-lamp was lit. ‘It is very late.’__‘Yes,’ he agreed.__Silence.

Mellena woke to the terrible sound of Mitchas’ heart breaking.__‘Dada?’ she spoke feebly, her fingernails denting the soft pine of Kengar’s front door.__Mitchas sobbed at her voice, pressing his palms to his eyes.__Mellena sank to his side. ‘No, no.’ She held her father fast by the shoulder. ‘It can’t be. It’s alright?’

Sevína appeared in Delus Palace bearing Brennan’s weight. Vilsonius abandoned the table and attempted to heal Brennan with her, but broken organs are like shattered glass. He faded from the light within a bloody minute.

Custodin Màtac had ordered the Beran to convene. Brennan awaited his conviction in the dungeons, their sunless confines and silent guards offering little information on the progress of his trial. Countless times he had implored Sevína to come—grasping his amethyst anklet interwoven with a plait of her hair—but his summons had gone unanswered.